IXDAO Engineer (Gray Dial) - Full Review

[@marmaladecorgi]

I have the exact same watch. Pros: Looks like a 2000 dollar (or more) watch; amazingly thin for its price; superb detail on the dial and great finishing. Cons: as others have mentioned, no microadjust means that it's either too loose or too tight for my 6.75" wrist; gritty crown screw-in/out. But overall, a great watch for the money. I am amazed that the Chinese manufacturers are able to pull off the dial detailing of an AP RO to this level of quality.

[@EscapeWheel]

Couldn't agree more!

[@a.c.7541]

The original IWC ingenieur starts at 12,000 usd...

[@Sheepdog416]

Half links are now available on their official website

[@EscapeWheel]

@@Sheepdog416 yup, just ordered some. I'll probably make a quick video once they arrive.

[@Sheepdog416]

I just recieved the black mother of pearl version in the mail. What an excellent watch! ​@@EscapeWheel

[@LiveiLLogic]

I keep watching this review over and and over again. Can’t wait to own one. Beautiful videography! Definitely subscribed. Looking forward to new reviews!

[@gnq_k]

I can't stop watching it after my order. Did you end up getting one? Hear they will be gone for good soon

[@LiveiLLogic]

I did and I couldn’t be happier. It hasn’t left my wrist. 😂

[@gnq_k]

@@LiveiLLogic I got mine today, and my god does this thing shine! Going to be blinding people 😂 How do you feel about the size of this watch? Idk if I wish it was a bit bigger personally but its beautiful.

[@LiveiLLogic]

I have a 6.75” wrist and I think it’s close to perfect.

[@tylernoland6141]

Your photography of this watch is the best i've seen. Nice job!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you....mobile phones are amazing 😂. All pics taken on my pixel or OnePlus 8pro. Super macros just use a cheap clip on lens.

[@lordcharfield]

⁠@@EscapeWheelVery impressive, many thanks for sharing 👍

[@_Frimer_]

They released 4 new ones in MOP dial. I haven't found any reviews on KZbin yet. For me the Grey/green mother of pearl dial looks incredible. They have also Green, White and Pink all MOP.

[@stevehenrytagami4709]

Bought a Selita white one with a Selita Quality does not come along too often ( just like the 5303 IX DAO ) fantastic watch

[@johnholkham2420]

Has the SW200 performed ok for you, I’ve ordered on with this movement

[@adk7962]

This one in the white dial is no doubt going in my collection in the future. San Martin quality and finishing for little more than Seestern prices. And Seesterns are spectacular also. Man. Choices…

[@EscapeWheel]

what a time to be alive, right? soooo many good watches out there.

[@redbarchetta8782]

The anti-magnetic feature is the same as on the IWC and uses a soft metal housing protecting the movement from magnetic fields. Some watches use parts that have anti-magnetic properties, but the typical watch does not. There are videos showing the opened back on these, and there's a small steal shell then the movement. I got one of these in blue MOP and am stunned by it. The blue MOP glows in certain angles and it's mesmerizing.

[@EscapeWheel]

@@redbarchetta8782 yeah, that's kind of what I figured...they are awesome. Thanks for watching and leaving the comment....good to know it wasn't just marketing fluff

[@wjy2ap]

I don't think I can buy this watch without any half links. Even for a non-integrated bracelet, I would be hesitant, but for an integrated bracelet with no other bracelet or strap options, getting a good fit is so important. Could you reach out to IXDAO and see if they have any plans for an updated watch with half links or maybe they will offer half links for sale in the future? Thanks for another great review!

[@EscapeWheel]

I'll reach out to my contact and let them know. you definitely aren't the first person to say that.

[@nicsamazingpinballchannel7688]

Yep… same here. No half-links or micro-adjusts = can’t do an integrated bracelet, period.

[@firstnamelastname-ys3mz]

They sell half links dumbbas

[@justinmeyer465]

They sell half links for this model on their website.

[@erikewald7264]

I got the Blue Aqua one a few months ago. Killer watch in pretty much every way! Yes, the crown threading is not great, though it has improved over the time I've used it, and I expect it to smooth out further. I'm tempted to buy a grey version now, after this review, just for a second though. As lovely and satisfying as this watch is, I don't need two.

[@EscapeWheel]

Funny you say that...I'm thinking of getting a second one. But I do like this gray dial, a lot

[@dunderhay9169]

Good review, well done for pointing out the finishing flaws. I know of a reviewer who had to return one of these due to alignment and finishing issues. I like the watch a lot, but the butterfly clasp is a deal breaker.

[@EscapeWheel]

I'm really hoping they fix their quality control. i've seen misaligned indices on multiple watches...obviously we see more of the flawed ones than the non-flawed...but still. it's still an excellent watch, and my example was good enough that I could overlook my QC issues. as for the clasp...i really like the butterfly on this one. best butterfly I have come across yet...the smooth looking bracelet is worth it...but they NEED to provide a couple half-links. I've seen so many people refuse to buy it because of the lack of micro-adjustment.

[@dunderhay9169]

@@EscapeWheel Yes half or three quarter size links at least give a close enough fit 👍

[@roblumley2755]

I got this exact version 2 weeks ago and have worn it nearly every day. My watch buddies are sick of me saying how much I love it. Completely recommend too - especially since nobody at the IWC boutiques can confirm how long you’ll wait to get one of theirs - I have asked (with this in my pocket.) 😊

[@EscapeWheel]

hahaha. love it. Good to see you here, Rob!

[@nikr1d3r32]

Some nerve to show up to IWC employee with this on your wrist 😂 I call BS

[@EscapeWheel]

@@nikr1d3r32 he said it was in his pocket...lol.

[@roblumley2755]

@@nikr1d3r32 It was in my pocket... and I never mentioned the IXDAO to them in the store. I asked multiple times if they had one or had even SEEN one of the IWC in person. Nope. None of them had seen more than the video on all the monitors throughout the store. If they had one available, I would have tried it on and considered buying it (even though it would cost 45x the one in my pocket.) =)

[@rxmar23]

Thanks for this review! I’ve been looking for an Ingenieur homage for a few years, but nobody made them. The I saw this one in an email from Watchdives, but you never know what it’s about until someone takes the hit for the team. Sounds really worth it. BTW, I keep a piece of Emory cloth at my work/watch desk, and just run that lightly along any sharp case or bracelet edges.

[@EscapeWheel]

Interesting....I'm going to have to get some of that. Curious if you picked one up during the 11.11 sale?

[@rxmar23]

@@EscapeWheel I didn’t buy ANYTHING during the 11.11 sale. I think something’s wrong with me. 🤒 I will still probably buy one, the grey dial is in my cart….

[@PMFozzie]

The original is well over £10,000 and the history around this watch blows my mind and a very worthy homage, a must for the history buffs so defo going into the collection. Bit of a long video link below but it’s the launch of the updated IWC original watch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5Svd5acZa9naLcsi=gvsbT2rer8tZ2qsz

[@tapirdeaalex7104]

Does Hruodland use the same case and bracelet for their model or its a different watch? I really like their new gold-rose variant but the reviews are not the best for Hruodland

[@EscapeWheel]

Hruodland makes some great watches...haven't seen theirs of the engineer yet. Hard to say if it's the same case.

[@tapirdeaalex7104]

@@EscapeWheel Maybe you have some contacts with them? I really want to get the rose-gold machinist but Im afraid the bracelet is sub-par compared to IXDAO, based on 2 reviews on allie. Also if they send you a sample to review it would be amazing!

[@EscapeWheel]

@@tapirdeaalex7104 I can reach out. Their communication isn't the best..but they have sent me review pieces before so it's worth a shot.

[@tapirdeaalex7104]

@@EscapeWheel Thank you!

[@HarryUnchained]

I will buy the white dial version on 11/11! I can't wait!

[@JagPapi]

Its very nice. In the case of watches with an integrated bracelet, it seem like this is the best on the market so far. But I be still waiting for homage of Girard-Perregaux Laureato. I hope that eventually some decent brand will make one. Would any of you also want to buy the homage GP?

[@EscapeWheel]

not a huge fan of the GP, but i'd be willing to check it out if someone made one.

[@tohian]

What I love about this brand is that whether you call it IXDAO, 9DAO, or the Chinese characters 九纛, they all sound cool. 😂 And, that logo is actually really nice too. Thanks for an awesome review. 🙏

[@villagranvicent]

Much nicer name and logo than "San Martin"!

[@roo2dee2]

Thanks for this review! I'm looking for a slim integrated auto but I'm really torn between this and the Cronos Skyline updated version. What would you recommend for a 7 inch wrist?

[@EscapeWheel]

IXdao is a nicer watch and is more...."grown up". The Cronos is nice as well and MUCH flashier. If you want to stand out, get that

[@planecrashcorner7283]

It looks like the polished bevel along the outer edge of the bracelet has ANOTHER defect, below the 6, 3rd link down, on the right side. These bracelets are so close to being incredible, but glaring defects in the shape/machining makes this a hard pass. Hopefully they can fix the bracelets because I want one if they do!! Nice review 👌

[@EscapeWheel]

Ha! So miniscule, yet totally there and now it'll bother me until the end of time....so thanks for that. But yeah, bracelet finishing is so good, yet inconsistent. They fix that, this is easy a $1K watch for $250.

[@planecrashcorner7283]

@@EscapeWheel You seem to have been lucky, 100% of the few others I've seen have much worse ones. Youre right tho! They fix the bracelet and this will be one of the top selling alix watches

[@EscapeWheel]

@@planecrashcorner7283 I wonder if they put a little more effort into the 2nd batch with the logo only. 🤷

[@gregtolley3455]

If you were choosing one of these today would you go with waffle or mop and which color? I'm trying to decide in the current sale.

[@EscapeWheel]

Still sticking to my waffle gray. Though I'm not a huge fan of MoP dials. Something about the pattern and color just works for this one.

[@Honraxxx]

First off I would like to complement on the amazing job you do with this channel. Keep it up buddy! Now for this watch it looks really nice. Normally I would not even consider a straight case watch but this thing just keeps calling for me.

[@EscapeWheel]

wow, thank you so much. I really appreciate the kind words and support. as for the watch, I too was kind of worried about the flatness, but really, it's a non-issue. it's short enough (at least for me) that it just fits pretty much perfectly.

[@roblumley2755]

I wondered the same thing about the flatness... but the lugs and bracelet are so flexible with the shorter case length, it isn't an issue for me on wrist. I recommend this watch as much as any I have gotten on AliExpress.

[@yasir-umer]

This is on my wishlist but i am confused about colour. Is grey your most preferred dial among all available or would you like to change the dial ??

[@EscapeWheel]

Sorry for the late reply. Gray is my preferred color on this one. I wouldn't change it if I had the chance to. It's great....and I usually don't like gray/silver dials

[@ramspencer5492]

What about when the bracelet of directly in between links for sizing? That is so annoying on butterfly glass bracelets.... And this is an integrated bracelet watch! Really nice homage watch though! Kind of wish they had more colors.... Thanks for the video

[@EscapeWheel]

they have just released some more colors of MOP dials. pretty crazy. also on the cheaper end, Mysterious code has a bunch of colors as well. VH31, but obviously the quality isnt at this level.

[@watcheroftheskies-v2s]

It would be interesting to see you compare this to the specht & sohne version, which on the surface looks identical apart from a cheaper Miyota movement. The specht is WAY cheaper.

[@LiveiLLogic]

I was in the same predicament deciding between the two. Bought the green specht & sohne as their green appears better than IX&DAO. Not too happy with the bracelet as the links don’t articulate what so ever. Bought the IX&DAO, waiting for it to arrive.

[@gnq_k]

@@LiveiLLogichow did it compare?

[@LiveiLLogic]

Don’t waste your time with the Specht & Sohne. It’s night and day difference. Literally so obvious who is trying to make a quick cash grab and who cares about the finished product they are making.

[@vlamrx]

Just got mine in. Love it but I'm not able to get a good fit for my 6 inch wrist! Wish they had included half links. Unfortunately will likely have to send this one back

[@jims4539]

On the crown stem, try some waxed dental floss to clean the threads.

[@EscapeWheel]

I'll give it a shot, thank you

[@gregs7519]

I was just going to recommend this

[@dewaynehowse231]

That wax dental floss idea didn't work for me. I tried danco silicone grease and pliers with with a shimmy towel to not damage the crown.

[@jurisceihners6954]

Can agree with the dental floss thing. Have done it on all my watches that have screw down crowns, all smooth now.

[@Not_A_Carpenter]

I did exactly this and it worked

[@benrichards2047]

how did they possibly come up with that !

[@Andrew-J316]

Amazing! Appreciate your review!

[@dpns2ster]

Love the watch. Great images. Why would all movements be antimagnetic? I thought it would be the contrary, in so far as magnetism would damage most mechanical watches unless otherwise stated.

[@brianyparraguirre6977]

Agree here, watch movements are not inherently antimagnetic unless they have the silicon spring hence the use of faraday cages in other watches

[@EscapeWheel]

I have found this online: ISO 764 standard states that a watch to be antimagnetic must resist a magnetic field of 4800 A/m and its accuracy must stay within +/- 30s/day as measured before the test. Any modern ETA movement (i.e. 2824) is by itself compliant to ISO 764. Some watches as the Rolex Milgauss can resist stronger fields (1000 Gauss = 80000 A/m field) with special hairspring and a special case that shield from magnetic field. I've also read something similar for the NH35 (IIRC)

[@EscapeWheel]

I have found this online: ISO 764 standard states that a watch to be antimagnetic must resist a magnetic field of 4800 A/m and its accuracy must stay within +/- 30s/day as measured before the test. Any modern ETA movement (i.e. 2824) is by itself compliant to ISO 764. Some watches as the Rolex Milgauss can resist stronger fields (1000 Gauss = 80000 A/m field) with special hairspring and a special case that shield from magnetic field. I've also read something similar for the NH35 (IIRC)

[@dpns2ster]

Glad I asked. Did not know that

[@garmin1488]

A display caseback would be nice , especially if you upgrade the movement.

[@SecronSeven]

Id lvoe this, but id want it on a rubber strap. Do you think it would be possible to find a rubber strap that fits this?

[@EscapeWheel]

Doubtful. Would have to find one wide enough for the case, and then did have to cut it to fit. Maybe you'd get lucky and apex strap would fit, but I doubt it

[@bnick25352535]

Not sure this or a prx.which one in quality is better.

[@EscapeWheel]

@@bnick25352535 I wasn't super impressed with the PRX TBH. This is nicer

[@londonerwatches]

Great review! Hard not to be impressed by these Chinese watches…

[@EscapeWheel]

thank you...and yes. they have ruined me for "regular" watches....lol. I have purchased 4 non-chinese watches this year, and they have to be perfect for me to get them because I know I can get "more" with a chinese watch for that same price.

[@wilfredcheung1035]

u guys know where to get a rubber band for this watch??

[@Q.Q.]

Nice, fair review, as always. Not a fan of integrated-bracelet watches in general. Just don't think they tend to look that good, in a fundamental design way. Including - gasp - the Royal Oak. The craze over the PRX, don't get at all. This one, however, for some reason is quite enticing. Just from viewing the video, it seems that the IXDAO finishing is on par with San Martin's, perhaps even better for the same price range. How would you compare the finishing of the two makes? Is one better than the other? Is the overall sense of refinement of one higher than the other?

[@EscapeWheel]

Finishing is equal on both, but IxDao NEEDS to be more consistent. See my bracelet section. But the watch head is elegant and, IMO, more refined than most San Martins. Razer thin tolerances to keep the thickness down, color matched date wheels, sharp and precise finishing. It's just excellent. Tighten up the consistency and they will be a force...they already are in my book.

[@nedflanders3769]

I love the Serica homage that I&D came out with. This IWC homage is cool but I’ve got integrated bracelet fatigue!😊

[@EscapeWheel]

Haha, so many came out this year. I almost gave up on them, but I love this one.

[@gregs7519]

You should be able to knock that sharp edge off of the bottom of the case with a green rubber abrasive wheel on a Dremel.

[@EscapeWheel]

Good to know. it really doesn't bother me at all on wrist even when I'm "sporting around" in the florida heat.

[@bifflee3603]

Great specs and dimensions

[@Zotrax1946]

Hey 👋🏻, Ix&Dao are selling half links to the Engineer. On their website ☝🏻🤗

[@konstantinze]

do you think it's too big for 6 inch wrist?

[@EscapeWheel]

it would probably be right at the limit. it's thinness is it's saving grace for you IMO.

[@vlamrx]

I think it looks fine on my 6 inch wrist but I'm not able to get a good fit with the butterfly clasp and no half links. Unfortunately I might have to send this back

[@konstantinze]

@@vlamrx i see thanks for the info

[@jchong416]

The anti magnetism is the selling feature of the real original ingenieur. Now that silicon hairsprings are very common is not such a big deal. It's really amazing how well China makes copies these days.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

Spend the few extra bucks for the 2824 and you have a heck of a watch for the money

[@dpmjole]

"few extra"?? do you mean DOUBLE?

[@jaer.6540]

Still no half links? C'mon

[@EscapeWheel]

Nope. So close to being perfect

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

They now supply it with one spare half link, and you can buy more spares from the store. Can’t wait for my black dial to arrive!

[@EscapeWheel]

Yes, a much needed addition. Enjoy it man, it's so dang good 👍

[@davidsonviray1403]

I feel like the crown should've been bigger i don't know it's just me or you can see it too?

[@EscapeWheel]

Seems fine to me. It's easy to grab on to, which is the main thing

[@davidsonviray1403]

Do you think this will look big on my 6.4 inch wrist?

[@EscapeWheel]

@@davidsonviray1403 it's got a short Lug to lug so no, I don't think so. But it depends on your preference. It wears like a 40 just because of the wide bracelet.

[@davidsonviray1403]

@@EscapeWheel been deciding between this or the san martin datejust 36 as my only watch, what do you think?

[@EscapeWheel]

@@davidsonviray1403 tough call. This one will fly under the radar more and be more useable in most situations (pools, beach, office, wedding) where the DJ is very formal. The DJ will fit you better and has the option of alternative straps. Tough call indeed. For a 1 watch collection I'd probably go with this.

[@Sdfsoepvmsywocmzyw]

Yes the pricing of genuine IWC Ingeneur is crazy, still not a reason to buy this homage

[@EscapeWheel]

if you've got the money for the Engeneur, you probably aren't looking at this watch. a case could be made for IXDAO's previous watch (serica homage) but probably not this one. Still, being able to purchase it for $250 and have it on wrist in 3 days is reason enough, if nothing else to just try the style of watch and the size. if you like it enough, order the real deal and join the watilist.

[@tigerWarrior490]

@@EscapeWheel I have the money for IWC but I prefer to spend 250 for this kind of build quality. Just purchased the blue one but the dial has an issue, the text is discolored and has smeared egdes. So i returned the blue and purchased a white dial. It's on the way and I am super excited.

[@gnq_k]

Nothing wrong with being smart with your money. Paying 12k for a watch seems just plain stupid for the vast majority of people. At the end of the day it’s just a watch. Same reason why others wouldn’t spend $200 on a t-shirt. Luxury is mostly an illusion imo

[@eezypeezy2782]

You cant get this watch, whats the point of the review

[@EscapeWheel]

I was unaware my links were dead. The watch is still available. You can check the updated links in the video description. IWC made them take the images down, but the watch is still being sold AFIAK. I would contact the seller to confirm, but I don't think anything has changed except for the inclusion of half links.

[@firstnamelastname-ys3mz]

I have two. Even better than real thing.

[@DC-wz9gp]

is it just me, or the 6 and 9 indices is slanted

[@EscapeWheel]

Just weird light play. That 12 o'clock screw has also played with my head. I put the indices under macro to see and they are straight...or at least aligned with the dial pattern.

[@gregs7519]

If you go to 10:07 and zoom in, you can see that they are perfectly aligned. At least as far as I can see

[@stavros_katsopr]

Ducks approve? Sure they're not laughing at it? Or just hungry?😋Btw, (continue teasing...) no straps show? Wonder why...😜 Ok, i'll stop. Great finishing indeed, but i'm not a fan of the design (not even the original). Dial pattern, integrated bracelet, case shape ruin it for me, so i pass, easily. But your review is as true as it can be, even talking about the sharp edges (under case), plus all the rest details. Thanks Steve. PS Here comes the final tease... Ain't plain 3 hand watches gorgeous when done right? You flamboyant chrono guys...........😤😜

[@DillonGeorge-j9p]

White Skyway

[@ScrippsLiz-j2r]

Tyrell Coves

[@HansomAdelaide-i4q]

Scotty Well

[@HumphreyNancy-f2c]

Runolfsdottir Springs

[@KarolynDanchetz-c4f]

Lang Stravenue

[@sk.akashshaikh6366]

Moriah Cliff

[@FerminaHaddenProakzmia]

Perez John Clark Charles Lopez Paul

[@LatashaCadoff-l3p]

West Harbor

[@RaymondHolt-r9j]

Kelsie Manors

[@ChristinaHankins-s5z]

Witting Drive

[@DoddAlvin-v2b]

Lind Plains

[@EmmaMax-g7i]

Elise Fork

[@NancyFitzgerald-n3z]

Sadie Circles

[@speedpini]

I can't decide to take IXDAO or Hruodland. What do you think? Is the quality the same?

[@EscapeWheel]

I'd say they are probably pretty equal.

[@PatrickPerez-o1b]

Thomas Eric Miller Kenneth Lopez Sarah

[@PatrickPerez-o1b]

Moore Christopher Clark Daniel Wilson David

[@SheliaHicks-y7w]

Taylor George Rodriguez Donna Martinez Maria

[@JaniseCord-q2b]

Toy Stravenue

[@ShaunDeanne-l2w]

Quitzon Station

[@TuttleVictoria-i8j]

Martin George Hernandez John Martin Deborah

[@PiersYves-k2z]

Lewis Paul Thomas Thomas Martinez Barbara

[@HobsonJudith]

White Paul Thomas Kevin Lewis Matthew

[@w_stew8912]

This should be illegal. This isn’t an homage to the IWC Ingenieur. It’s a counterfeit of it.

[@EscapeWheel]

Illegal enough where IWC went after them. They aren't selling this model any more.

[@w_stew8912]

@@EscapeWheel they just brought it back last year. They discontinued it already?

[@firstnamelastname-ys3mz]

Better quality than iwc

[@HousmanTim-m8j]

Miller Frank Moore Amy White Amy

[@FerdiCakar-h9k]

Jackson Scott Thomas Betty Young Mark

[@djmassola]

Copy IWC

[@PatrickPerez-o1b]

Thompson Dorothy Thomas Jennifer Rodriguez Linda

[@MoniRina]

Wilson Kevin Hernandez Donna Jones Brenda

[@RichPevsner-c8t]

Powlowski Views

[@小川大翔-o3o]

Lewis Deborah Martinez Anthony Rodriguez Nancy

[@WalkerVirgil-i6q]

Jones Robert Taylor Mary Williams Charles